Let’s talk about something that many of us encounter but often don’t address openly enough: Imposter Syndrome.
Yes, that sneaky feeling creeps up on us, making us doubt our worth, our skills, and even our right to be where we are. The nagging feeling that you’re not good enough, that you’re somehow tricking everyone into believing you know what you’re doing – it’s real, and it’s tough.
But here’s the thing: you’re not alone, and you’re definitely not a fraud.
First off, let’s acknowledge that Imposter Syndrome doesn’t discriminate. It affects women from all walks of life, regardless of their achievements or capabilities.
So, what do we do when Imposter Syndrome rears its ugly head, especially in the midst of serving clients? Enter shadow work – a journey into the depths of our subconscious to uncover and integrate the parts of ourselves we’ve been taught to suppress or deny.
I spent an amazing 2 days exploring Shadow Work with my Feminine Affluence Codes Mastermind clients over the weekend.
Shadow work is very powerful to help shift those aspects of you that experienced pain or shame, from your childhood. This can include trauma or parts of your personality that you subconsciously consider undesirable (based on your childhood experiences).
If it was not safe for you to express your authenticity and you felt different to your peers. Your family put a high priority on achievement and were inconsistent in how they praised you. You didn’t feel safe with your family of origin or like a valued member of the family. This will naturally affect your sense of competence as a young person growing up and you carry this shadow in your subconscious – even now as a powerful woman in business making an impact.
If this resonates with you – here are a few tips to navigate Imposter Syndrome and its triggers with grace and authenticity:
1. Acknowledge Your Feelings:
The first step in dealing with imposter syndrome is to recognize it for what it is – a feeling, not a fact. Instead of pushing these feelings away, allow yourself to sit with them, explore them, and understand where they’re coming from.
I like to ask myself the question – what is my earliest memory of feeling like this? This helps me see the link between how I am feeling in the moment and my childhood.
2. Practice Self-Compassion:
Be kind to yourself. Remind yourself that it’s okay to feel vulnerable and that someone questioning your worth doesn’t diminish your worth or expertise. Treat yourself with the same compassion and understanding you would offer a dear friend or a much-loved client.
I used to be so hard on myself when I felt these vulnerabilities come up and that kept me stuck for a long time.
3. Get back in your body:
Stop the mental loops and challenge the negative self-talk that fuels imposter syndrome. Replace thoughts like “I’m not good enough” with questions like “Why might the opposite of this be true?”
Remember, your worth is not determined by external validation.
One thing I do is remind myself to get back into my body and heart space with feminine embodiment practices. This naturally shifts my energy back to a place of love and service with my tribe – rather than the continued justification in my head.
4. Embrace Your Authenticity:
Remember that authenticity is your superpower. It may not have always felt like this growing up and that is okay. As a conscious woman, it is time to embrace your unique perspective, experiences, and skills. Your clients are drawn to your authenticity – because of who you are, not who you think you should be
You will not be everyone’s cup of tea and that is okay, you are not meant to be. You can build a business with amazing female clients who adore you and share your vision and values. We don’t need to compromise our standards for anyone.
Integrating your shadow aspects is a deeper dive into your unconscious programming from childhood – so you can reclaim your shadow aspects and integrate these so you can be the amazing, whole and complete woman you are.
How To Spot Your Shadow
Are you judging someone or something right now?
Are you feeling shame or embarrassment?
Are you feeling envy or jealousy?
Are you afraid this aspect will make you undesirable in your business?
If you answered “yes” to any of the above, then integrating your shadow will be so liberating.
Imposter Syndrome is one example – but please reach out if you would like to explore this more fully.
More details on the Feminine Affluence Codes Mastermind can be found here:
Remember, you are not alone on this journey.
Embrace the shadows as well as the light, for they are all part of what makes you beautifully, authentically YOU.
I would love for you to comment below if you have experienced Imposter Syndrome. It is so important that we share our experiences and build each other up.
Much love, Kylie xxx